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Known Issue: Forerunner 220 Unable To Sync with Samsung Galaxy S3 (+ Workaround)

Former Member
Former Member over 11 years ago
We are currently aware of an issue that can occur when attempting to sync a Forerunner 220 with a Samsung Galaxy S3.

The Forerunner will successfully pair with the phone, but will be unable to sync/upload with the app. The problem appears to be due to the Forerunner encountering an error while downloading the GPS ephemeris data during it's initial connection.

We do believe we have discovered a temporary workaround, for those experiencing this issue, that seems to work in most cases:

Note: Before attempting the steps below, please ensure that your Galaxy S3 is running Android version 4.3 or higher, the Forerunner is running the latest firmware, and the app is up-to-date.

To temporarily correct the issue, reboot both the phone and the watch and attempt the sync again. During our in-house testing this appeared to correct the issue temporarily. Subsequent sync attempts may require a reboot to be performed again.

We have informed the developers of this issue and they are currently looking into a solution.

Please monitor this thread for any updates.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    I have exactly the same issue as the above post. Can someone from Garmin please reply. The watch was purchased because of its bluetooth ability, it is not fit for purpose as my S3 has never properly synced with it.
  • 0 over 10 years ago
    Same problem for me to sync the FR620 with a Samsung Galaxy S3! And the watch is $120$ then the FR220!!
  • 0 over 10 years ago
    I think we need an answer from Garmin. All of us bought this watch because garmin merchandised this feature. It is very disappointing that now it does not work at all and garmin does not give an answer or a solution to its customers. It is in our rights that it works in agreement with the specs or we have to be refunded.


    Although I appreciate there is a thread on the official Gamin forum that covers this issue, I must say I am deeply disappointed to say the least that the Bluetooth sync bug has not yet been resolved. Apparently, it has been known since at least January this year.

    I believe it would be fair to the customers if Garmin would state an estimated date of the fix. And of course I do understand that you will not give any date if you already know it CANNOT be fixed.

    The product sheet says we'll be able to Bluetooth-sync between the watch and Android. Did you forget to mention it will only work once? Really? It is the price of the watch that turns this from funny to ridiculous.

    The update 2.1.1 does NOT fix this.

    If the problem is not resolved until the end of May 2014, I am requesting a refund and I will consider if I ever buy any product from Garmin.

    Garmin, I am expecting clear statement of the status and your plans for resolving.

    --------------------------------
    Here's what I see on my watch:

    [BLUE]
    Syncing with Forerunner 220

    [RED]
    Sync failed
    Sync upload error. Please try again.


    I have exactly the same issue as the above post. Can someone from Garmin please reply. The watch was purchased because of its bluetooth ability, it is not fit for purpose as my S3 has never properly synced with it.
  • 0 over 10 years ago
    The app just updated to 2.1.2 but still no go. (Just did a quick test, no resetting/removing/restarting).
  • 0 over 10 years ago
    Same issue. Please let us know soonest
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    Good day,

    I bought the Garmin Forerunner 220 and I want to connect it via Bluetooth with my Samsung Galaxy S3. I have the latest Galaxy software (4.3) and I have the latest firmware updates for the Forerunner.

    I have installed Garmin Connect on my phone and I am able to connect with my Forerunner via the app when Bluetooth is enabled on my phone and on the Forerunner.

    However, my phone doesn’t keep the Bluetooth connection and it loses it within about 20 seconds and then it displays a message on the phone “fitness device disconnected”.

    Are you aware of such a problem and do you have any suggestions I can try to keep the Bluetooth connection?

    Thanks
  • 0 over 10 years ago
    I also bought the Forerunner 220, thinking it would work with my S3. It's about time to fix the problem now.

    Edit: Both the S3 and Forerunner are updated with the latest software.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    Work around doesn't work for me either. V disappointed!!

    Garmin, when are you anticipating a fix and if there isn't one are you prepared to reimburse customers the difference to the RRP of a forerunner 15?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    Why does Garmin not solve this? Since January? Are you kidding?
    I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 - 4.3., I able to do one sync, but thats all. What happened, Garmin? This error is here a very long time and you don´t solve?

    This brand is become obsolete!
  • 0 over 10 years ago
    Why does Garmin not solve this? Since January? Are you kidding?
    I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 - 4.3., I able to do one sync, but thats all. What happened, Garmin? This error is here a very long time and you don´t solve?

    This brand is become obsolete!


    For those of you waiting for a fix, I noticed that Verizon is updating the S3 with Kitkat. Long story short, I upgraded my phone to the new OS and then the upgraded the Connect app and for the first time my watch syncs!!!!!!

    Live track works too...

    Check your phone to see if your carrier is providing the OS update. Hopefully this fixes your issues as it did mine.